You may recognize Nora Taylor from her pieces about being Drake’s muse, filling big shoes, or emotionally preparing for Rihanna’s lingerie line. But where you’re even more likely to see her work is in the smooth running of Man Repeller editorial content every single day. As Managing Editor, in addition to being generally hilarious, Nora sees every story through from pitch to publish, and it’s about time you got to know her better. Read on to learn more about her and then join us in welcoming her to the Man Repeller team with an extremely long but HR-approved bear hug.
You’re the Managing Editor! What does that mean and what do you do?
It means I love a good Google Doc. I keep the editorial team as close to organized as possible, work with other departments to make sure they have what they need to keep the site running and write the occasional post or two.
Where were you before this/doing what?
I was but a mere five-minute walk away at Apartment Therapy, where I was the Associate Editor, News and Culture.
What did you go to school for?
I have a B.A. in Theatre and an M.S. in Media Management.
How did you get started at Man Repeller?
I saw they were looking and sent in my application, which almost sounds old-fashioned, doesn’t it? I think we’ve been told so many times that networking is the be-all and end-all of getting a job that it can feel foolish to just apply for a job you want when you don’t have a connection, but sometimes it works.
Favorite part of your job?
It’s been pretty mind-blowing to see everyone’s minds at work. This place is such a pressure cooker of creativity, it’s exhilarating.
Least favorite part of your job?
Our single, middle-of-the-office bathroom. I’m obsessed with office bathroom situations.
What’s one thing that surprised you in your path up until now?
How little I regret the changes I’ve made. I’ve switched gears a few times and it has always felt like the right thing to do. And how lucky I’ve been, coworker-wise.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A historical fiction romance novelist of zero acclaim.
What’s one piece of advice you can offer to someone who wants a job like yours?
I think this goes for any job but: Put effort toward finding your balance of being a nice person people want to work with and someone who knows their boundaries. I think I was scared of saying no or taking a hard line on something for too many years. It’s okay if people are annoyed with you!
What’s one piece of advice you have for someone who has no clue what they want to do?
Don’t be ashamed if you’re a dabbler! I know it can feel like everyone out there has one purpose they are hustling toward 24/7, but if you’re someone who wants to try out a bunch of jobs because that’s what feels right to you, that’s just as valid. There’s also no shame in being someone who just wants a job that they like okay and that allows them to go home and read afterward.
Tell me something weird about you.
I can only tie my shoes the bunny-ears way. I guess that’s not weird so much as it is lazy.
Photo by Edith Young.
